[1][2][3] With a body length range of 6-12mm, it is narrower and shorter than its relative, A. lecontei,[4] the only other currently described species within this genus.

It is reported to feed upon ambrosia plant species such as the common ragweed.

[5] Members of this plant genus are serious agricultural pests and so this insect species has been investigated for potential use as a biocontrol agent.

[5] However, A. gracilis is considered an economic pest due to its activity boring into the stems of Trifolium pratense (red clover), Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and Melilotus spp.

(sweet clover) as well as a number of other plants in the Asteraceae, Poaceae and Urticaceae families.